Equipping & Encouraging Sunday School and Small Group Leaders

3 mistakes to avoid with guests

“Run off guests? That’s the opposite of what I want to do!” you might say. Bible study groups exist for those “not yet here” (or at least they should if they are classified as “open” groups). It doesn’t take a lot to discourage a guest from returning a second time. If you lead a Bible study group, be on the lookout for the following things that create bad first impressions in the minds of your guests:

Ignore them – I’ve sat in multiple Bible study groups as a guest and, believe it or not, no one approached me and said, “Welcome to our group” or “We’re glad you’re here.” Just this past week I was in my local big box electronics store, looking to buy two Apple watches. I’d done my homework, new what I wanted, and I went to that part of the store. I stood there for 15 minutes, looking at the Apple watch on display, playing with its multi-functions. I even turned around and played with iPads and other Mac products. Still no salesperson approached me. I left the store after sharing my disgust with the manager, and told her she’d lost a big sale and that I’d simply take my business elsewhere. When you ignore people, don’t expect them to return.

Put them on the spot – If you want to run off a guest, ask them to read a passage of Scripture with some difficult-to-pronounce names of people and/or places. Or better yet, ask them to respond to a challenging question, one they might not be able to answer accurately. If you do, they won’t be back. It’s better to allow them to raise a hand or answer a question on their own terms rather than you forcing it on them.

Smother them – Yes, there’s a balance between being friendly and creepy. If you’ve ever been on a blind date, you’d never go out on a second one with that person if they dropped to one knee and proposed on the first date. You can be too aggressive in your enthusiasm over the guest’s visit to your group. Back off a little, make them feel welcome, but don’t hover. No one likes the annoying but well-intentioned waiter or waitress who constantly buzzes by your table. Give the guest a little space, and let them know you’re thankful for them choosing to study the Bible with your group.